New Lenox Green Waste Disposal Services

Our Green Waste Disposal Process

Contact New Lenox's Department of Public Works for Seasonal Green Waste Collection & Municipal Composting Programs

New Lenox offers a robust seasonal green waste collection program, typically running from early April through late November, with weekly curbside pickup by neighborhood. Residents should place biodegradable paper bags or properly bundled brush at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on collection day, ensuring materials are at least three feet from storm drains and utility boxes. During peak fall leaf season, collection may be extended to accommodate increased volume. The Transfer Station accepts organic waste during posted hours; residents must present proof of residency and may be subject to volume limits and nominal fees. Specialized services include brush pickup (bundles no longer than 4 feet and 50 pounds), Christmas tree collection in January, and emergency storm debris removal coordinated with municipal tree operations. Finished compost is periodically available for residents, and the Village supports community gardens and educational workshops on composting. For more information, contact:

New Lenox Department of Public Works
701 East Lincoln Highway, New Lenox, IL 60451
Phone: (815) 215-4800
Official Website: New Lenox Department of Public Works

Understanding Green Waste Volume & Decomposition Dynamics in New Lenox's Prairie Clay & Glacial Till Soils

New Lenox is situated on prairie clay and glacial till soils, as identified by the USDA Web Soil Survey, which are characterized by moderate to poor drainage and high clay content. These soils slow organic matter decomposition, especially during wet springs or after heavy rainfall. The community's tree canopy is dominated by oaks, maples, elms, ash, and honey locust, resulting in significant leaf and branch volume each fall. Seasonal weather patterns, including freeze-thaw cycles and severe storms, can lead to rapid green waste accumulation and complicate collection schedules. Dense vegetation in older neighborhoods and prairie restoration areas further increases organic debris, while urban heat islands may accelerate decomposition in some microclimates. Flood-prone areas and fluctuating water tables require careful timing of green waste removal to prevent runoff and water quality impacts.

New Lenox's Implementation of Illinois Organic Waste Management Requirements for Residents

Illinois law prohibits the disposal of yard waste in landfills, as outlined in the Illinois Environmental Protection Act, and mandates municipal diversion programs. New Lenox enforces these requirements through weekly curbside collection, resident education, and coordination with regional composting facilities. Commercial landscapers and institutions must comply with organic waste diversion and reporting requirements. The Village provides clear guidelines on acceptable materials, enforces contamination prevention, and issues warnings or fines for non-compliance. Resident education initiatives include workshops, informational mailings, and online resources. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency oversees facility permitting, diversion tracking, and provides technical assistance to support New Lenox's compliance and sustainability goals.

Proper Preparation & Sorting of Green Waste Materials for New Lenox's Collection Programs

Residents must follow specific preparation guidelines to ensure efficient collection and environmental compliance:

• Use biodegradable paper yard waste bags for leaves, grass clippings, and small garden debris
• Bundle brush and branches with natural twine (no wire or plastic), keeping bundles under 4 feet in length and 50 pounds
• Place materials curbside by 6:00 a.m. on collection day, away from storm drains and utilities
• Remove all soil, rocks, plastic pots, and wire from green waste
• Prohibited materials include treated lumber, construction debris, stumps, roots, diseased plants, and invasive species (such as buckthorn, bush honeysuckle, and garlic mustard)
• After storms, separate organic debris from construction materials for emergency collection

For further guidance, contact:

New Lenox Community Development Department
1 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, IL 60451
Phone: (815) 462-6490
Official Website: New Lenox Community Development Department

New Lenox Environmental Compliance Guidelines for Green Waste Management Near Protected Areas

Green waste activities near New Lenox's streams, wetlands, and conservation areas are subject to additional oversight to protect sensitive habitats. Buffer zones restrict disposal and require natural leaf retention for erosion control. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources provides guidance on managing invasive species—such as buckthorn and garlic mustard—to prevent their spread. Special handling is required for invasive or diseased materials, which should not be composted or left curbside. Seasonal restrictions may apply during wildlife nesting periods, and natural debris should be left in designated areas to support habitat goals. Coordination with municipal biodiversity initiatives ensures compliance and supports local conservation objectives.

Protecting New Lenox's Water Quality Through Green Waste Management & NPDES Stormwater Compliance

Proper green waste management is essential for protecting New Lenox's water resources, including Hickory Creek and local wetlands. The Village operates under an NPDES MS4 permit, requiring measures to prevent organic matter from entering storm drains and waterways. Residents should avoid placing green waste near storm inlets and follow staging guidelines to prevent runoff. Composting and mulching reduce nutrient loading (nitrogen and phosphorus) that can cause algae blooms and oxygen depletion in local water bodies. These practices also support broader environmental benefits, such as soil health improvement, carbon sequestration, and reduced landfill methane emissions. For more information, see EPA NPDES and Clean Water Act.

On-Site Green Waste Management: Composting, Mulching & Sustainable Practices in New Lenox

Residents are encouraged to manage green waste on-site through composting and mulching, following local regulations:

• Compost bins or piles must be set back 10-20 feet from property lines and at least 50-100 feet from wells or water supplies
• Bin size and location should comply with local ordinances; check with the Building Department for requirements
• Maintain a balanced carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (browns vs. greens), monitor moisture, and turn piles regularly
• Do not compost meat, dairy, oils, pet waste, diseased plants, or invasive species
• Mulch-mowing and grasscycling are recommended for lawns, while brush chipping can provide mulch for gardens
• Rain gardens and naturalized areas can utilize organic materials for soil improvement

For composting best practices, consult University of Illinois Extension.

New Lenox Building Department
1 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, IL 60451
Phone: (815) 462-6490
Official Website: New Lenox Building Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout New Lenox, IL?

New Lenox's green waste management services are tailored to the unique needs of its diverse neighborhoods:

• Heather Glen: Mature oaks and maples create high fall leaf volume; large single-family lots require extensive curbside collection
• Cherry Hill: Proximity to Hickory Creek and wetlands necessitates strict buffer zone compliance and careful timing of debris removal
• Windemere East: Newer developments with younger trees generate less leaf waste but more grass clippings; alley collection is common
• Palmer Ranch: Senior communities may need additional support for green waste preparation and curbside placement
• Nantucket Lakes: Prairie restoration areas contribute native plant debris and require specialized management for invasive species
• Countryview Estates: Historic homes with dense tree canopy and narrow streets present access challenges for collection vehicles
• Liberty Square: Multi-family properties share green waste responsibilities and benefit from communal composting initiatives

Each area experiences unique seasonal patterns, from early leaf drop in exposed neighborhoods to intensive spring and fall cleanups in established communities.

New Lenox Municipal Ordinances for Green Waste Equipment Operation & Commercial Services

Local ordinances regulate the operation of green waste equipment and commercial services to minimize noise and ensure safety. Equipment such as leaf blowers and chippers may only be used during designated hours, typically 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Commercial landscapers must be licensed and comply with disposal regulations, including proper sorting and use of approved facilities. Right-of-way regulations prohibit the placement of green waste in streets or blocking sidewalks. Enforcement procedures include warnings, fines, and possible suspension of collection services for repeated violations. For ordinance details and licensing requirements, contact:

New Lenox Parks and Recreation Department
701 West Haven Avenue, New Lenox, IL 60451
Phone: (815) 485-3584
Official Website: New Lenox Parks and Recreation Department

By following these guidelines and participating in New Lenox's green waste programs, residents contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable community while ensuring compliance with state and local environmental regulations.